It’s so nice being in the Capitol this time of year, with the festive smell of the holiday tree in the air and the sounds of beautiful music echoing in the hallways. Earlier this week, Lincoln Middle School music students came to Madison and performed in the Capitol Rotunda. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with the students and hearing them play their instruments.
The first year of the legislative session is coming to a close. Under a Republican majority in the legislature, Assembly Democrats have focused on priorities that are widely supported by the majority of Wisconsinites. This includes legislation focused on Medicaid expansion, gun safety, and non-partisan redistricting.
Earlier this session, Assembly Democrats launched Forward Wisconsin, a project aimed at lifting the voices of Wisconsinites surrounding key issues facing our state. This month, my colleague Representative Vining announced the latest project for Forward Wisconsin: fair maps. Wisconsinites have a constitutional right to be fairly represented by their elected officials, regardless of their political affiliation, and partisan gerrymandering infringes on this right. Along with many of my fellow Democrats, I’m co-sponsoring legislation that would create a non-partisan redistricting system in Wisconsin.
I’ve also recently introduced legislation, the Water Pollution Notification Act, which I authored in response to water quality issues in La Crosse County and around the state. Access to clean water is vital for Wisconsin families, and I hope this issue will be taken seriously and brought to the table in 2020.
Please continue reading for articles on more details about the Water Pollution Notification Act, a report on binge drinking in Wisconsin, and how to purchase state park stickers this holiday season.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns. You can always contact my office by calling (608) 266-5780 or emailing me at Rep.Billings@legis.wi.gov.
Best Wishes,
Jill Billings State Representative 95th Assembly District
Water Pollution Notification Act Introduced
I recently introduced legislation, along with Senator Jennifer Shilling, that aims to provide notice to the public of possible water quality issues that may impact drinking water. The bill would require the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to alert county governments within seven business days if a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit holder has violated a groundwater standard. The legislation would also instruct the DNR to create a notification service of these violations to both the counties and any other interested party.
Wisconsinites have the right to know when water from their own wells and faucets may be harmful. In La Crosse County, the WPDES violations and associated high nitrate levels in monitoring wells was not readily available, leading to an incident where both the county and residents were unaware of a potential risk of high nitrate levels for over 10 years. Protecting the well-being of all people in La Crosse and statewide is of the utmost importance to me, and arming people with all necessary information is essential to keeping them healthy.
Binge Drinking in Wisconsin
As a member of the State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA), I was interested in a report that the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Population Health Institute recently published on the impact of binge drinking on the state of Wisconsin. Binge drinking is defined as drinking more than five alcoholic beverages for an adult man at one time, or more than four alcoholic beverages for an adult woman. This is not the same as heavy drinking, which is defined as over fifteen drinks a week for men, or over eight drinks a week for women.
The state of Wisconsin has higher than average rates of binge drinking in every age group, and it is estimated that binge drinking costs the state a total of $3.9 billion annually. These costs are calculated to include healthcare related costs, legal costs, and the estimated cost of lost productivity. In addition to the gargantuan cost of binge drinking on the state, there were 79,825 alcohol-related hospitalizations, and 24,651 DUI arrests in 2018. To help alleviate the risks of binge drinking, it is recommended that people choose to drink in moderation: the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that women drink no more than 1 alcoholic drink a day, and men have no more than 2.
.
State Park Stickers Now for Sale
Wisconsin State Park stickers and trail passes are now available for 2020. Stickers are required for any vehicle entering state parks and recreation areas, as well as many hiking trails and state forest parking areas. Stickers cost $28 for Wisconsin residents, $38 for non-residents, and allow access to over 60 national parks, forests, and recreation areas. If there is more than one car in a household, additional stickers can be purchased for $15.50 for residents, and $20.50 for non-residents.
In addition to this sticker, trail passes are now available for anyone wishing to cross-country ski, bike, roller blade, or off-highway motorcycle on specific trails. Trail passes cost $25, and are not needed for hiking or walking. Stickers and trail passes are available at park, trail, and forest offices, as well as DNR service centers, and over the phone. If you’re thinking of giving a trail pass or sticker as a Christmas gift, be sure to order before December 16th to ensure delivery by Christmas!
Rep. Billings in La Crosse and Madison
I enjoyed speaking with Lincoln Middle School music students before their performance in the Capitol Rotunda.
This morning, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the La Crosse Center's renovations and expansion. This project will enhance the visitor experience and is an economic driver for the entire La Crosse area.
I also spoke at a press conference, along with local leaders, to encourage residents to sign up for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Sunday, December 15 is the last day to select health insurance for 2020. To learn more and better understand your health care options, visit getcovered.wi.gov.
